Meet the Entrepreneurs Shaping the Local Business Scene in Downtown Newark, OH
Jon and Emily Gilliam own three very different businesses that have one important thing in common: They all aim to build community and celebrate a place they are proud to call home.
“Licking County welcomed us with open arms, not just as residents, but as small-business owners,” Emily says. “We’ve felt so much support from customers, neighbors and fellow business owners. That’s not something we take for granted.”
Truly Successful Ventures
Jon launched the first of the businesses, OhioTRUE, as a weekend side hustle in 2017, while he was still working in a leadership role for a national grocery store chain. OhioTRUE, a local apparel company, focuses on soft, comfortable tees and hats with designs that connect people to their cities, their neighborhoods and their sense of home.
In 2021, the couple moved from Columbus, Ohio, to Licking County, seeking a shorter commute to Jon’s job. A year later, they were on the hunt for local retail space for OhioTRUE when Emily was inspired to instead chase her vision for a shop where people could find meaningful gifts with a personal touch. In 2023, the couple launched 2nd Street Market on the campus of The Works, an interactive museum in downtown Newark.
“I wanted to create a place where people could find unique, thoughtful gifts – something for a baby shower, a friend’s birthday or a last-minute thank-you – but I also wanted it to feel personal,” Emily says.
Two years later, the Gilliams launched the first brick-and-mortar location for OhioTRUE in the Historic Newark Arcade building. By then, OhioTRUE apparel could also be found in over 50 retailers across Ohio, from hospital gift shops to boutiques. A few months after the opening of the first physical location of OhioTRUE, the Gilliams opened the doors of The Archive, a bottle shop and lounge located across the hall in the Newark Arcade.
“From the start, the vision was to create something warm, elevated and comfortable,” Emily says. “A place where people could slow down, connect with friends or even meet someone new.”
The name The Archive is a nod to history and heritage, and also to the stories people share when they gather.
“Every wine we serve has a story behind it, and we love helping people discover new favorites,” Emily says.
Love for Community
As they have settled into their lives as full-time entrepreneurs and proud Licking County locals, the Gilliams have found a lot to love about their community.
A perfect day might be spent walking in the towering trees at the 2,000-acre Dawes Arboretum or taking classes at the YMCA and Revive Yoga Studio, followed by coffee time at Hey Babes, where the Gilliams recommend the Single Mom Latte (iced in the summer, hot in the winter). Jon always orders the biscuits and gravy to go with his coffee and Emily goes for the avocado toast.
For dinner, favorite spots include Moe’s BBQ in downtown Newark or beer from DankHouse Brewing Company paired with eats from Shakedown Street Food.
As the owners of three growing businesses, no two days are alike for the Gilliams, but every day is full of the things they love about the place they call home.
at 2nd Street Market
“Some days you’ll find us in our shops, pouring wine, folding T-shirts and chatting with customers. Other days are spent behind the scenes, planning events, marketing and shaping the future of our businesses,” Emily says.
The multiyear renovation and early 2025 reopening of the Newark Arcade building, where two of their businesses are housed, is just one sign of the energy and sense of place that make Licking County a great place to live.
“The more our downtown grows, the more opportunities there are for both local businesses and members of our community,” Emily says. “We’re excited to be part of that and to see how it continues to evolve.”
Get to Know Licking County
Want to learn more about living and working in Licking County, OH? Check out the latest edition of Livability Licking County, Ohio.